Welcome guys in our Forumotion where we may help you find our classmates whatever year you graduated! We are your friends who are basically batchmates of 1977. Come on have coffee with us! Again, thanks for visiting our blog!!!

I've been busy lately transitioning from a contract worker to a permanent full-time worker here in Falls Church, Virginia.

Tapos, kahapon, nawala pa ang Canadian Citizenship Card ko sa US Immigration Boarder in Buffalo, NY. Anyway, may I request na lang for a replacement (but I have to pay $75 ... hindi ko naman kasalanan na mawala). Also, I still have to apply for a social security number here in the States. Then, my car registration and driving license while here in Virginia. Dami ng gagawin!

Imagine ... 13 hours akong nag-drive from Toronto to Fairfax, Virginia by myself alone. Indeed, life is not easy! But we have to keep on moving forward. I wish someday, may I relax na lang ako tapos, binubuhay ako ng mga anak ko ...

Hi Manny Ace, kumusta ka na rin. I was so awed by the depth of the things you wrote and i salute you for that. Nakakatuwa ring basahin yung mga experiences mo and i am really proud of how you've become, a good father, husband, soldier, friend, batchmate. Ingat ka lagi and my thoughts and prayers are always with you for your safety.

Hello Nanette, remember me? Naging mag-classmate din tayo i guess 1st or 2nd year. I remember nakapunta pa yata kami sa bahay nyo when we were practising for some choir or a mere gathering ng mga girls. I also enjoy reading your posts, so more to come.I've seen your recent photo, wow ganun ka pa rin, walang pinagbago, the same Lilia Matias that i remember nung highschool days natin, and your daughter is also pretty like you. Regards to your family as well and ingat ka rin lagi.

Hi Trifee, hope naka-adjust ka na ulit dyan, being alone...alam ko rin yang feeling na yan kasi that's how i felt when we first arrive here in Sydney, wala akong kakilala, except yung family ng husband ko, then i have to adjust to the way of life here, kaya heto for the last 20 years, maraming experiences, escapades ang nagyari sa buhay ko dito sa Sydney, some good, some bad, some that taught me a lesson or two in life. Then, i had my kids, ngayon sila ang buhay ko, and we try to give them the best we could, pero like you, i dream of someday ako rin naman ang aalagan ng mga anak ko, yung parelax-relax na lang ako.

James D’ Duncan, buddy, its good to hear that your operation was a success. Now , for your speedy recovery, please listen to your doctors and adhere to their advises religiously. You have to know that you have only one heart to take care of, and three dependants to think of . God is so good that He will always be with you, pare ko.. After few days, you can start your sport activities, and when you take your vacation, you’re ready to play tennis with us in here.

Belated Happy Birthday to Manny Cortez. With your big 5-0 , we know that you are excited and enthusiastic for reaching another milestone in your life. Cheers to you Manny. If I knew this occasion, I could have attended even I was not invited. Although, we are not that close during high school , yet, it is a privilege to meet you again , drink with you , and share laughter with you on this memorable event of your life. Nevertheless, there will be another time to meet again.

To other batch mates, as I wanted to see all of you while I am still here in the Philippines, please do not hesitate to inform me of any event, either announced or not, so I could attend , and at least become a witness of such occasions. My telephone numbers: 8383410 /09163326734.

Jun and Prislette, sorry for exposing the secret of my buddy, I was just messing around. When I was in high school, I was kind of short, about 5ft.tall, shy, and have no right at all to look at some beauties in the school. And having a crush then, will remain a crush because of economic reason, that I could not even offer to take her home nor send a small token of my appreciation. If I will visit LA next year, I will make sure to call both of you, and perhaps, a get together if your schedule permits.

Thelma Pena, from Vito Cruz isn’t it? What I know you are one of those lovely young women most young men want to get close to you. I always remember you walking around the campus with that handsome Menard? Sorry, was that you?

Manny Ace Cagape, man, I did know that you are a Gulf hero. How come we did not meet in Guam, how long you’ve been living in Guam then? Please be careful in your field station, and hope that USA will stop sending troops to hostile areas, and avoid to much casualties. Here in the Philippines, the conflict in Mindanao has never been ended, and I think will never end till His next coming.

Beebot, ATG, Letty, Jun and Rudy , you guys had a little get together and forgot to inform me , I was just around and could easily notify me. I may come late but definitely I will be there So please don’t forget me next time, allright?

Mr. LPT, thanks for your contributions to this forum, I wish I could share more and start seeing all of you while I am here. I might be there in December this year. And hope to meet you then.

Lillia Mathias, how are you doing? I think I recognize you as tall, yet, attractive young lady. I wasn’t lucky to have such height during high school, that is why I never associate with our tall classmates, especially, our lady classmates. Are you Yogee’s friend then?

Ehliee, sorry, but I forgot your last name? how are you? Sometimes, I could feel the memory lapse when reaching the middle age. Pasensiya ka na, I will be posting some pics of my family on my next posting, and hope you will do the same.

Ehris > Good you were able to follow through, medyo nagulat ako talaga when the blast happened right before my face when sudden changes flashed on my screen, all the while I thought it was a trojan virus, thank goodness it was a lesser evil of mere reaching the peak of this blog. Hence, the changes plus truncated pages! Good I called Alex, my American friend, who told me to look into the Admin Panel and I was guided accordingly! Whew, it was a day yesterday mornin. While I was working on it, two strangers, guested in our site and I ws able to get their IP address. I witnessed too the wonder of our site in detecting people who merely visit and read our blog. One from Qatar and the other somewhere in Makati... would u like me to post the map where I traced their respective places?

Trifee > Good for you, finally you got a permanent job in USA and I could identify with the S.O.P.s of working in the Land of Uncle Sam! You're welcome, as I said awhile ago, I'm doing it for the Lord kaya napakatapang kong magsalita para makagising ng mga taong quite complacent sa kinahihigan nilang posisyon! May God bless you Trifee!!!!

Akala ko nasira yung computer ko kasi pag-open ko nasa page 56 ako and wala na yung mga previous messages natin. Larry, glad that you were able to advice us at once. That was very helpful. Just checking in my friends. Am in the office and I'd like to start my day with some good messages for all of you, especially to Trifee who is currently facing another chapter of his life in the US....

This is from Mother Teresa...

" People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway,If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true friends; succeed anyway.If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.What you spend years of building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.Give the world your best anyway.You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.

NOTICE : For the info of all of you batchmates that on:-Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, 6 p.m. - it will be our 31st year Reunion at Cherry Blossoms Hotel, along P. Faura St. near Robinson's Ermita, ticket is P500 per person-Sat., Oct. 4, 2008 - Election Day (place & time will be announced later), and please note that the Global & outside National Capital Region (NCR) batchmates can cast their votes thru internet. The Resolution for that has been approved last week. Details & mechanics to follow

I was surprised this morning seeing the last page on this site was still at #67. The last time i visited the site i think we were already at page 74 so i got worried thinking that something went wrong. Mabuti na lang at na re -direct ako after reading yahoo mail of Larry and Mareng Letz.

Brod Larry - I had a meeting last night with my old, retired and unreliable Private Investigator and came up with a working plan and how to locate your good friend Elmer. Hopefully within the week magkaresulta huwag lang sana atakehin ng ALZHEIMER disease ang mama pero nangako siya na pagsusumikapan niya.

Good afternoon everyone... as i write this message the heavy rains just stopped... i'm pretty sure flash floods na naman outside. i heard there's another strong thyphoon coming OMG please... anyways as i promise i will really find time to post here, so difficult to catch up ... my eyes are really about to pop out as i go through the looooooooong messages here. as they say KAPAG AYAW... MARAMING DAHILAN, NGUNIT KAPAG GUSTO ... MARAMING PARAAN!!!!!!

We had a blast last Friday we gave Merlie Diaz_ Barrientos a send off party ,Menard,Dwight,Rudy I. Thelma, Tess Miso, Bayani, Mario, Arvin and oopss habol si Manny Cortez.. grabe it was really a riot, we cant decide whether we will sing or chat all nite thru, endless reminiscing of the past, resurrected love teams and what have you, whats amazing is that as we close the party we segue into a more serious note, our batcmates present were all one in hoping for the betterment of our batch as an organization, medyo may pagka melodramatic but the general sentiment is all for "CHANGE FOR the BETTERMENT OF THE BATCH" THANK YOU ALL GUYS FOR BEING THERE!!!

Larry... again, thanks for that call i think we are all one in our desire to make a go for the batch, i will always extend my support only if i feel that its all for the betterment of the batch.. miss you my friend... but up to now di pa rin ako marunong mag post ng pics

Letty my dear... its only here in d office that i get to log on to the internet, i have dsl at home but its in my daughter's computer room can u imagine mahirap makasingit when they're in there, promise i'll ask our technician here to install a router so even in the comforts of my bedroom i can log on and probably chat with all of you.

Prislette... sayang i miss ur call medyo bz lately bcoz of the ongoing construction of my small vacation house (retirement haven... hehhehe in quezon) i was even thnking dun na lnag natin gawin ang joint golden bday bash natin waht do you think??? its a citrus farm, wuth mango trees, dalandan, lansones, suha, vegetable grabe i'm so relaxed when the whole family is there. I wish i can bring all of you coffee afficionados there. perhaps we can chat soon my dear friend. give my regards to June your hubby..

Nette.. hi my dear friend tahanks for your message hope we can meet up 2gether wid the others for girl bonding lang what do you think something like a spa party only for the girls....

Jame Duncan I'm so glas the oiperation went smooth, my mom almost went throgh angioplasty but after her angiogram test doctors said its not necessary thank god, take it easy lang alam mo nmn were not getting any younger.. take care bro...

Randy .. I know at our age medyo may memory gap na hehehe but sure i'll try to post some pics here, but if you have seen the pics posted by letty, i'm the one sitted before thelma the one wearing white long sleeves blouse, i'm glad you're still in manila when are you leaving ba ? hope we also get the chance to see each other.

Ehris ...hi there my new found friend ang saya no withy these forum were al;l updated of the latest happening

manny C. Thanks for coming last friday you're such a dear friend talaga...

Heres’ one to tukayo Jaime Dabu,Thanks buddy for the greetings. Speedy recovery is on the way I’m sure I will be 100% back to normal. Cheers man and keep looking back to where we belong, the goodness, the camaraderie and the wholesome fun that we had in our high school days. Now it seems life is very short, just imagine the time that we mingled around corridors and play softball in quadrangle during PE practice. And now the days just come and go looking at the situation and there we have this signs of old age, kids and apo that might come sooner that we expect hehehehe….others saying retirement of sorts to a rest house. I don’t want to indulge on that yet, lest, it will only add up to my young looking face, to say the least ngekkkk…

Larry,Me dear friend, what a photo you showed up here where it seems I’m the one lying there with beautiful nurses abound. This is exactly what looks like in our operating room only if differs in some forms like yung transparent glass at kung ano pang anik anik. But nevertheless, it’s all but the same scenario I had in there.

As I was in deep prayer and with all the wonderful text that I received from my loved ones, I chance upon one message across, and that lies the words in psalm 23,

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED, HE LET’S ME REST IN GREEN GRASS AND LEADS ME TO QUIET POOLS OF FRESH WATER. HE GIVES ME NEW STRENGTH, HE GUIDES ME IN THE RIGHT PATHS AS HE HAS PROMISED.

Thanks to all loving friends for the prayers and most specially to my beloved Larry, the dear friend, our guide in this forumation. You keep the faith hard to unravel, where protection and peace of mind lies in Gods’ untiring support.

To Manny Cagape,Wow naman my friend, you’re awesome look in the photo is tantamount to saying you really are in the brink of a war zone !! Gosh antindi ng dala mong weaponry. Thanks din buddy for your concern. Keep in touch pare, we are but one and the same principles, the best that we can provide for our family.

Mareng Ehris,Mards thanks din sa caring iha at ganun talaga I have to be strong and always on the positive side. The willpower and the strong determination to live a fruitfull and meaningful life is what we all need to survive in this world not only for ourselves, rather for all the loved ones that we shared and the blessings we received o dba?

Pareng Randy,The ever great guy around. Amigo musta na ulit? Sabi ko na sayo kaya ko to I can rebuild another start of a new and refreshing body kumbaga sa sinabi nii pareng Alfred Nicdao, parang kotseng bagong overhaul hehehehe.Kaya lang I have to be careful with the food I eat mahirap na. Matakaw kasi ako dati sa mga macholesterol foods but this time I will go for more veggys and fruits. Sooner that you expect I will practice na my tennis at nabubulok na itong 2 raketa ko ditto sa tagal.

Numbers and Initials Puzzles!INSTRUCTIONS: Each question contains a number and some initials for a commonly recognized phrase, or an item that has something to do with that number. FIGURE OUT THE PHRASE AND WRITE IT IN THE EMPTY BOX. Some of these are very hard, but the number is your best clue -- think about things that start with those initials that involve that number!Ex. 7 W o the W - Seven Wonders of the Worlda. 4 Q. in a G. – 4 Quarts in a Gallon (Milk, it does a body good)b. 60 S. in a M. – 60 Seconds in a Minute (may relo ako noh)c. 7 D. in S. W. - ???d. 8 P. IN THE S.S. - ???e. 5 D. in a Z. C. – 5 Digit in a Zip Code (alam ko yan kasi taga Tate ako)f. 29 D. in F. in a L. Y. - ???g. 60 S in a M – 60 Seconds in a Minute (same as letter b)h. 5 f on a h – 5 fingers on a hand (kumpleto pa ang mga daliri ko noh)i. 12 N. on a C. - ???j. 3 B. M., S. H. T. R.) - ???

I absolutely agree with you. We will seek for the good intentions of the many... Here's another quip I'd like to share with you...my friends...

" "I know this now. Every man gives his life to what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes, people believe in little or nothing and so they give their lives to little or nothing..." Joan of Arc

Subject: What really is life to us batchmates Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:20 am

Hi Batchmates,I’m back again nakakasawa dito panay upo nood eat bulaga,wowowie,at kung ano pang anik anik. But somehow there is a reflection when I am alone here reminiscing the past that had gone through in my life. Nuon, we are but one and the same, dependent to our parents hingi ng pera pambli ng kung anong anik anik. Sometimes going to places with friends and classmates during weekends. I remember the times in high school where we all do nothing but study, enjoy life mingling around classmates and friends. Staying longer than we could in Araullo and then off we go hom. A little bit of house hold chores, watch tv and then start to prepare assignment and review long test papers, in World History perhaps. Exciting yet boring.

Those high school life, perhaps are the best years that we can’t afford to loose, but as the end nears we have to say let go…wishing high school and classmates and friends goodbye and we were bound in the midst of a more challenging task that lies ahead. We then focus on each of our lives, how we could build the future in our own way. Parents are the guiding symbols of all the destiny that we are bound to explore. But sometimes, we are denied of the destiny because of the many factors beyond control. But the challenge to move on remain there and to fulfill the dreams of success still lingers no matter what it entails.

Then time move on so fast, yet we keep struggling and living the past behind. Some people I know have struggled so hard and reap the harvest of success. Yet I met friends I knew, classmates whom I remember, yet only to find out lots of miseries have gone astray. Hooked with bad habits and never recover until they have nowhere to find the right path. I can’t help but do nothing. It’s life that they choose. We all have our life to choose. But beyond this comes the question, what are we here on earth for? Only to survive in the same way thousand years back when people eat and survive just like that ? Things remain the same isn’t it? In a way it’s yes because we are still on earth struggling and keeping ourselves alive. Only it differs in many perspective because the generation has gone too far ahead of time. With the many technologies abound and a lot of changes that happened and is still happening. Yet the earth remains the same. Sun comes up and down, the moon and stars appear and disappear and a new beginning unfolds everyday.

Looking back in times and in todays’ life, we are now become parents to our children. Sooner than we expect a grandparents. And then comes the most painstaking task of being left alone, idling and wanting for help, being guided and waiting for the time to bid goodbye on earth. I tell this because all of us batchmates will become “batchmates” too when this time comes, because we are of the same age and generation. But these are facts we can’t control. We all have to say goodbye on this earth. But I knew we have shared whatever it is on this earth be it good or bad. We will leave memories that will cherish only in dreams. For all of us here, the memories will linger forever….but I am certain that the legacy we built in this world is there for keeps. Just like the times when Jose Rizal was a young boy, we all have the same path, moving on to where we should be. And history will judge us when we lay down ourselves.

But perhaps, it is a question of fulfillment or failure that we have to ask ourselves. Are we here on earth only to be justified by history? I don’t think so. Just as when Jesus Christ came down on earth, He gave meaning to the true value of life on earth. To love and value the goodness that we can share to others and to ourselves. Perhaps yet, I have at least fulfilled that values, where I live this world with a true meaning, and that is to Love God and to fulfill what the Lord teaches . To be aware that life is meaningful if we Love God and share the blessings and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. And from there, we can bid goodbye on earth, happy and yet satisfied.

Thelma -> hello sweet batchmate! Nice to read your postings here. Since we (the Comelec Committee of our batch) approved a Resolution for our global & outside NCR batchmates to cast their vote, it's just the right time for me to inform them & we will be having our meeting before the end of this week & hopefully we can send the Resolution together w/ the mechanics on how they can register as well as how to cast their vote

Hello BatchmatesFirstly thank you for the very nice greetings on my 50th birthday. It was a very taxing day for me because I cannot even take a leave on my birthday. My plan actually is to celebrate my birthday with all my relatives but considering that almost all of them are also working they want it last Sunday because the following day is a non-working holiday. Well it was the longest birthday celebration of my life, it started August 21 Thursday and ended August 23 Sunday.I really want to make my 50th birthday very memorable that is why I celebrated it with some batch mates that were available that night. I asked Jun Papa and Letty to do the inviting because I don’t know the contact numbers of our batch mates except for few like Mathel, Dwight, Elee, Tet, Audie, Letty, Jun P, Menard, Merle and Freddie. I asked Letty to invite some batchmates, i did mentioned the name of ATG, Net Reyes, F Labao. I was able to met already ATG during the welcome party of Merle and F Labao during our Calatagan summer outing. So sad that Menard, Merle, ATG were not able to come, ok lang nakatipid naman ako nang di sila dumalo...joke lang.

Noreena Lansang was not able to come also but she passed by in our office during the merienda time and told me that she will not able to make it. I was so surprised to see her that day but at the same time so happy and overwhelmed by her surprise visit and I have telling everyone in our office that the lady is our valedictorian during our high school days. Bebot, thank you and super thank you po, you made my day and up to now I’m still so proud of you....IDOL pa rin kita. Muntik mo na akong mapa iyak sa tuwa.

I thought all the while, Noreena’s surprise visit is one for the books (as far as I’m concerned), no it’s not, I GOT ANOTHER SURPRISE OF MY LIFE. At the venue, when i was about to park my car, i saw a FACE that that is so familiar to me. As i’m about to enter the Racks restaurant, i makeTITIG again hoping that i am wrong with what i saw. I know her (i told myself), is she invited, i asked myself... i think she is not. Nobody mentioned that she is one of the invited guest. Pretend to the max pa rin ako as if di ko siya pinansin (baka kasi mapahiya ako if i’ll asked her if she the person i know). Finally I entered the restaurant and the greeters told me Good evening sir, table for?? ? ... No i said, I have a reservation upstairs. The greeters asked my name for her to check the reservation and she affirm my reservation. It was at this point the lady asked me if I am Manny Cortez, I said yes and asked back you are? (pa kyeme pa ako) She told that she is Net Reyes, no no no (I answered back)...I know you... you are Lilia Matias. Yes I am Lilia Matias and I am NOW Net Reyes. SUPER SURPRISE ako, wowowee, si Lilia our Ms. Araullo ...I’m talking to Lilia Matias??? Di nga kami nagkausap noong high school kahit once kasi ...SUPLADO daw ako, hindi po mahiyain lang po, lalo na pag nakakakita ng mga magaganda... nagiging miyembro ako ng TEOFILO Family (mga ligaw tinging baga...hahaha maraming kami nyan sa forumotion, di ba?)

Well tumawag naman si F Labao and i’m so grateful for his gesture, ganoon din si Merle tumawag din sya and she was able to talk to some of our batchmates. ATG, ikaw ha di bale maraming pa namang birthday and occasion and hindi pala kita pwd asarin kasi member ka nga pala ng COMELEC lagot kami if we will run for election... hehehe

Fernando Nunez – so sorry i was not able to invite you, di bale, one this day baka may golf (gulf) miting kami ulit nina Jun and Freddie. We will see to it na makasama ka. Sayang, opportunity lost na naman. Di ko kasi alam, now na alam ko na number mo expect a call or txt from me.

Visit nyo naman pictures and video site natin sa multiply....(ahsbatch77.multiply.com) for the pictures

TO ALL OF YOU BATCHMATES YOU MADE MY 5Oth BIRTHDAY so MEMORABLE. I LOVE YOU ALL

The following day August 22, I was invited by the current Board members and Officers to meet with them regarding the forthcoming party and the presentation of candidates for the board of directors. I was tasked by the board to handle the venue and the menu. After the meeting, we make takbo naman sa Dramatic Club party, medyo singit lang ako doon. During the party, super riot naman ang nangyari. Si Bayani Magalong is the man of the hour, grabe after more than 30 years...sya pa rin ang dating mapaglarong Bayani... mga love team dyan...hay naku nabuhay na naman (ay mali naalala lang pala!) Menard i s so happy that night ..di ko alam kung bakit. Ikaw ehlee alam mo ba? Si Rudy I, ganoon din super saya hanggang sa paguwi naming hanggang sa maibaba ko sya sa Sucat ay damang dama pa rin nya ang kaligayahan. Mathel alam mo ba kung bakit? hehehe natutuwa lang po. Ako Masaya din kaya lang may bantay kasi me, i’m with daughter MM, di ako makapagsalita...lagot ako pag nalaman ni misis. Beeeh...Buti nga sa akin.Anyway, before it ends medyo nagkaroon ng serious talk about the current situation of our batch and everybody agrees that something must be done about it and I think together with some of our batch mates we will do something about it. Im hoping that the next batch of officers will be able to re-establish our pride of being true Araullian and they can all do it if we are ALL in one in bringing our batch to A NEW BEGINNING (from Prislette)The Dramatic Club farewell party for Merle is really a success.... Congrats Ehlie.

Hello again dear batchmates and friends, kumusta kayong lahat. Ang gaganda ng mga posted messages nyo lahat and ang sarap ng feeling na basahin. Kaya what i wrote sa header, from little things, big things grow, totoo yun sa ating lahat diba? Its a fact that when Larry and Letty started this Kapihan forum, konti pa lang sila and then each and everyone of us started/find a way to join and from it we built a strong and solid friendship! The exchanges of ideas/sentiments/escapades of life, family and our very own self made this forum a strong ties to bind us all. With this, we continue to grow our frienship and hopefully one that last FOREVER.

Hi Elie, kumusta ka na rin, likewise the feeling is mutual. Natutuwa rin ako so get to know you and hopefully this will be the start of a good friendship between us. Ganda naman ng description mo sa rest house mo. Share mo sa amin through pics pag tapos na ha. And sana nga magkaroon kaming lahat ng chance to visit it and enjoy the moments with you. Like you mentioned, pag nagpunta kayo ng family mo sa Sydney, don't forget to let me know and it will be my pleasure to show you around. Take care and my very best regards always.

Hi Thelma, kumusta ka na rin, its nice and simple yung quotes mo but very true and dating. Talagang i'm really looking forward to the day when i will be able to meet/greet and hug all of you. Take care and my very best regards always.

The small decisions we make each day can have far reaching effects. We should never underestimate the amount of good we can achieve if our decisions are based on compassion, fidelity, service and love for others for sometimes it can change people's lives and achieve enourmous good in the long term".

A pleasant and peaceful day to all of you...Keep smiling.....Till then...